NSPCC reports increase in race and faith-based bullying following attacks in Manchester and London

Following the recent attacks in London and Manchester, the NSPCC has reported a dramatic increase in helpline calls relating to racial and religious bullying or hate crimes.

Muslim, as well as Sikh, Christian, Black and Jewish children have contacted the helpline with similar accounts of abuse and stereotyping.

Some victims have reported that the treatment they have experienced is so cruel that they have physically harmed themselves, and many have expressed disdain for who they are and a desire to be someone else – a desire to be someone who’s accepted.

Children as young as 9 have been in touch with Childline due to bullying, while many young people claim to endure constant name-calling and threatening behaviour.

Following the Westminster bridge attack, the number of calls to the hotline nearly doubled to 128, with children experiencing threats or name calling from others.

A 15-year-old girl reported to Childline: “The boys in my class are always calling me a terrorist but my teachers do nothing about it.

“It makes me so angry and upset that I’ve started to cut myself because it numbs the pain.”

Neil Anderson, Head of NSPCC in NI, said: “No child should be targeted because of their race or faith and we cannot allow prejudice to make children feel ashamed of who they are.

“Instead, we should celebrate diversity and stand together.

“It takes huge courage for a child to speak up about this issue and they must be encouraged to speak up if they are being targeted.”

Joanna Barrett, acting national head of NSPCC Scotland stated: “Some children don’t understand how painful and damaging their words can be, so adults must not turn a blind eye if they see young people turning on one another.

“We must defend those who are being targeted and explain to those who are bullying others why their actions are harmful and wrong.”

Any child worried about bullying can call Childline on 0800 11 11. Adults concerned about a child can call the NSPCC helpline on 0808 800 5000.